Staff Sgt. Ricardo Barraza of Shafter, California enlisted in the military after graduating Shafter High School in 1999, and had been in Iraq since 2002. His mother, is Nina Barraza. He was an outgoing athlete who played football, basketball and ran track. He was awarded numerous decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. Posthumously awarded the purple heart. He is survived by his parents, Francisco and Nina Barraza; his sisters, Amanda and Rachel; a brother, Frank Barraza Jr.; and another sister, Jamie Rosalez. He is also survived by his fiancee, Maghan. He was 24.